Jay-Z Explains Sitting During National Anthem at Super Bowl LIV

Jay-Z has a message for all those who believed he and his wife Beyoncé were engaging in a silent protest at this year’s Super Bowl: “It actually wasn’t. Sorry.”

The couple received some criticism after TMZ posted a video showing them and their 8-year-old daughter Blue Ivy sitting while Demi Lovato performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Super Bowl LIV.

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On Tuesday TMZ posted a video of Jay-Z addressing what happened during an appearance at Columbia University in New York City.

According to the mogul, the whole thing “was not premeditated at all,” but was instead a case of him doing his job given that his Roc Nation corporation has a partnership with the NFL which includes producing the Super Bowl halftime show and other major performances.

He said his wife, who was a featured performer at the Super Bowl in 2013 and 2016, was offering him some insight about the experience and they were seated from the time Yolanda Adams sang “America the Beautiful” before Lovato sang the National Anthem.

“So, we get there, and we immediately jump into artist mode,” he said. “So, I’m looking at the show. ‘Did our mic start? Was it too low to start?’ … ‘Is it too many speakers on the floor?'”

“So, the whole time we’re sitting there and we’re talking about the performance,” he added.

He said he would never put his young daughter in the position of being part of a protest.

Instead, Jay-Z said he believed a statement was being made by the diverse halftime show which was co-headlined by Latina superstars Jennifer Lopez and Shakira and included other Latin artists as well.

“We were making the biggest, loudest protest of all,” Jay-Z said. “Given the context, I didn’t have to make a silent protest.”

This had nothing to do with Trump it had to do with respect for young kids and adults acting like they in the bedroom which should be private. It is so sad today that we don’t have any respect for ourselves! God help is!!

I think you can do all that from standing… you would be able to actually see those things that you are mentioning better…then you wouldn’t be disrespecting the opening of a NFL production that you have become a part of. You would then be a “team” player…

These coons have been given everything in this country to be able to get where they are. And thi sis how these racist pieces of garbage respect the USA. take away their millions and send them to some third world African nation and see how they make out. Disrespectful slobs passing their hate onto another generation and they will keep blaming it on white people in the USA. Sorry fkheads we never had slaves, we never were racists, but yiou are turning that around. Great job. and by the way how much have you tow given of you time and money to help your fellow brothers and sisters in need. Oh yea that is something the white taxpayer is supposed to take care of no matter when we came to the USA.

A smart man like he is should know that it is a common form of respect to stand for the National anthem. So artist mode or not could have stood and stayed in artist mode. Unless to think they have to stay on their ass.

These low lifes have been given everything in this country to be able to get where they are. And this is how these racist pieces of garbage respect the USA. Take away their millions and send them to some third world African nation and see how they make out. Disrespectful slobs passing their hate onto another generation and they will keep blaming it on white people in the USA. Sorry fkheads we never had slaves, we never were racists, but yiou are turning that around. Great job. and by the way how much have you tow given of you time and money to help your fellow brothers and sisters in need. Oh yea that is something the white taxpayer is supposed to take care of no matter when we came to the USA.

Right..take the millions and be a house n***er, act grateful and control your lower class n***ers. What’s the biggest reason more blacks are in need, their ancestors were f’d over by yours. But I’m guessing they should forget about that and you crackers couldn’t forgive Vick over dog fighting smh. M.A.G.A. when your kind was in the caucus mountains.

These low lifes have been given everything in this country to be able to get where they are. And this is how these racist pieces of garbage respect the USA. Take away their millions and send them to some third world African nation and see how they make out. Disrespectful slobs passing their hate onto another generation and they will keep blaming it on white people in the USA. Sorry haters we never had slaves, we never were racists, but yiou are turning that around. Great job. and by the way how much have you tow given of you time and money to help your fellow brothers and sisters in need. Oh yea that is something the white taxpayer is supposed to take care of no matter when we came to the USA.

Guess I am not allowed to post my thoughts on this website. Time to unsubscribe. Guess all this site want is whitewashed lies as all my comments a being moderated and as in the past will never be seen here. Watch out people the common sense citizens of the USA are being censored and blocked.

Guess I am not allowed to post my thoughts on this website. Time to unsubscribe. Guess all this site want is whitewashed lies as all my comments a being moderated and as in the past will never be seen here. Watch out people the common sense citizens of the USA are being censored and blocked.

Everyone should stand for the National Anthem. Brave Men and Women gave their Blood…Sweat and Tears for the United States of America. It means something Sacred..to those who fought..we’re injured and those who died. Their Lives were not lost in Vain. Their Families keep their Memories Alive.My Late Father served in the U.S. Air Force for 21 Yrs. He was a MEDIC. When he retired he got into something else. He had enough of seeing Blood…Stitches..the Suffering. He was my Adopted Father. Him and his Wife adopted me at the Age of Three from a Japanese Orphanage.I have lived in the US since then.I never knew my Birth Parents. My mother’s name..RITSUKO SATO. I was born in TOKYO but originally from the island of HONSHU.GOD revealed my true identity to me after I became a Christian. From SAMURAI QUEEN aka CHIAKIA.

Elizabeth,
I couldn’t agree more. I served in Viet Nam and then again in Iraq and retired from the U.S. Navy with 24 years.. It upsets me when I see someone kneeling or sitting during the National Anthem. My Father served in WWII and the Korean Conflict, he passed away in 1994. I am very sorry about the loss of your Father I will thank you for his service sad that I can’t thank him myself.

That is NOT an excuse!!! Stand up and honor those who serve our country, like my three sons are doing at this moment.
BTW your protest of children in cages that you “loudly” exposed-your friend Obama did it and no protests about it then right! The American ppl are well aware of the double standard you elitists stand for

Really….You didn’t notice that the entire stadium of thousands was standing? We really don’t care what you think and your one sided opinions. You think America is unfair…go make your billions some where else in the world you ungrateful…

Spoken like a two-faced, drug dealing, pimp, liar. I am done with the NFL. If this is what Goodell wants to offer families, I’m done! I’ve been a Raiders fan since 1976. Not any more. Too bad. But I’ll always honor the Raiders greats. Good by and good riddance NFL!

Send the pricks back to AFRICA. I am American Indian & Italian & back in the day we had it just as hard as anyone in this country but we endured but pricks like you think its a joke. I hope that you lose everything you have & then wish you had been a true American, maybe that day will come & SOON

Their full of shit!
People expect you do what is right! Ass wipes
So go too hell both of you !
Disrespectful jerks ! This shit is just to get more publicity
Shit ! All about them not the country! Move out of the country ! Disregard our national Anthem assholes!
Take your money and stick it your asses the both of you!

I am tired of seen black people abusing the American system they believe that because of theirs color other races owe them something, they need to cut the crap and start acting like regular human being no body owe you nothing enough is enough, they do movies and events with all blacks and nobody complain, but if someone else makes an movie or an event and is no blacks they started bitching and complaining, they don’t respect others but they spect supreme recognition even if what they do is nothing but bull crap.they have gain too much power in this country

I am tired of seen black people abusing the American system they believe that because of theirs color other races owe them something, they need to cut the crap and start acting like regular human being no body owe you nothing enough is enough, they do movies and events with all blacks and nobody complain, but if someone else makes an movie or an event and is no blacks they started bitching and complaining, they don’t respect others but they spect supreme recognition even if what they do is nothing but bull crap.they have gain too much power in this country (first time making a comment do you see what I am saying?) over protective race .

To many in this country…The freedom we fought to have and keep also means you have the right to give it up and leave. I wonder which language Americans would be speaking if not for those who gave everything for the freedom now shared by all.

Why is so hard for every to understand, all we want is the SAME rights you CLAIM for your selves .. Is that so hard to understand…. Anyone who does not, be black…. Me I am 80 yrs. young and all of our gains are on the line again… You cant HONESTLY tell me if White people were being killed like blacks, that something wouldn’t be done about … Keep walking around with your head in the sand, you could be next !!!

JZ. It’s called awareness, respect, just plain courtesy. It’s about time you guys teach that to your offspring as well as learn from the country that gave you all you have. No excuses unless you lost your legs fighting for this country.

The message that you send when you do not respect the flag or national anthem, is that you do not respect freedom, and the Constitution. your other rights, and you do not respect this country. The proper action is to leave the country and go live in a country to your liking – GET OUT!

Please just excuses. Who cares your irrelevant anymore. That’s the great thing about musicians today, they truly are “Here today, Gone Tomorrow”
He is an ex drug dealer so we should really pay close attention to his words an actions. Please don’t get me started on his talentless wife. Both are racist. Don’t believe me? Watch all their videos and listen to their songs, look at their work outside of music. They both support Collin Kaepernick. Enough said.
The NFL is so lost under Goodell, he knows it’s a sinking ship. You can’t promote a sport that makes people lose their minds, have brain damage, injuries for life and possibly killing your self. NFL players themselves have come out and said; I won’t let my son play!
So hiring an ex-drug dealer half assed rapper to do entertainment explains why we got a strip tease show for a half time act from 2 performers that haven’t had a #1 hit in how long? JLo grabbing her vagina is not empowering. It is pornography. No place in NFL that’s more of an XFL show.
So in writing this; Who cares if you sit or stand for the Anthem! Your just polished turds anyway. Criminal w/money.

I wonder how offended these nuggets are over their president not paying attention to the national anthem at mar a lago, during a taxpayer funded super bowl party. He was greeting people and waving his arms like he was a music conductor. But, let’s get hysterical over what entertainers do.

Name any other country where they could experience so much success ?? Only one . USA . They don’t want to be grateful ?? Its their Right but all will answer for their deeds in life . Their money won’t help them then . I just feel sorry for their Daughter . GOD Bless America

RESPECT OUR COUNTRY AND OUR FLAG!!!! why are you claiming and perpetuating hate???? why do you have to push the agenda that Latinos performing are a protest??? Go to another country if you don’t like the best country in the world. people like you withthose attitudes are what makes division!!!! get the f–k over it and move on!!!!

RESPECT OUR COUNTRY AND OUR FLAG!!!! why are you claiming and perpetuating hate???? why do you have to push the agenda that Latinos performing are a protest??? Go to another country if you don’t like the best country in the world. people like you withthose attitudes are what makes division!!!! get the f–k over it and move on!!!!

maybe they should have been working in the sound booth if there was one. I understand what they are saying. I was taught to think that way when I thought my life depended on my perform as a musician it got so bad I couldn’t even enjoy hearing something that wasn’t spot on almost drove me to killing myself I feel for them but I also understand the reason we should stand up

ALL I HAVE TO SAY TO THESE SO-CALLED ELITES, YOU ARE A DISGUSTING EXAMPLE TO ANYONE BUT THE SOCIALIST LIARS, HOLLYWOOD SO CALLED ACTORS AND THE FAKE NEWS SLUGS WHO SEEM FOR SOME REASON TO HANG ON TO YOUR EVERY WORD. WE THE PEOPLE HOWEVER DO NOT. YOU ARE NOTHING SPECIAL. THE SPECIAL PEOPLE OF THIS WORLD ARE THE EVERYDAY WORKERS WHO STRIVE TO GIVE THEIR FAMILIES MORE THAN WHAT THEY EVER HAD, TO TEACH THEIR CHILDREN TO BE GOOD PEOPLE, SPECIAL ARE THE PEOPLE WHO FIGHT FOR JUSTICE AND EMPATHY FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT CATCH A BREAK IN THIS WORLD, SPECIAL ARE THE PEOPLE WHO STRIVE TO MAKE LIVES OF ALL COLORS, BACKGROUNDS FEEL LIKE THEY MATTER, BECAUSE THOSE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO REALLY MATTER. THOSE THAT ARE SINCERELY GRATEFUL FOR WHAT THEY HAVE AND SHARE THE LOVE OF THEIR COUNTRY FOR ALL TO SEE. SORRY, YOU HAVE SHOWN ALL OF US JUST HOW YOU FEEL TOWARDS THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE MADE YOU AND YOUR WIFE SO ELITE. TOO LATE FOR YOUR BS EXCUSES.

No matter what you were doing you should have taken the time to respect the country that gives you the freedom to be who you are & respect the NFL the group that allows you & your company to handle the half time show & other events. But you post here that you were in entertainment mode which looks like a bunch of BS to me & all that see the video, but u don’t care & that is obvious by your response.

If you are there in artist mode, seeing how your company is producing the acts, why are you in the stands, watching the performance? At events I have attended in my capacity as a photographer, everyone and I mean everyone that is involved, STOP what they are doing and stand for the national anthem. After it is over, everyone goes back to there jobs.

If you were there in any capacity for your company, why weren’t you behind the scenes doing that job. If you are in the seats that people pay to watch the game, then you should have what everyone else was doing at that time, standing for the national anthem.

I am Italian & American Indian & if anyone has the right to protest it s/b the American Indian. I also served in Vietnam from 65 til 68 & was wounded twice & spent 3 yrs. in the hosp. & had 57 surgeries & was treated like crap in several hosp.’s because the dr.’s & nurses did little to take proper care of us. I also have 4 college degrees & 19 blackbelts in 5 styles of martial arts & being 76 yrs. old & had been anywhere near you, all hell would have broken out. I had some of your wife’s cd’s & they are now bent & broken & in the garbage.

WHY? Your protest by destroying YOUR OWN PROPERTY did absolutely NOTHING – It took NO MONEY from JZ and Beyonce whose combined net worth is around a BILLION ($1,000,000,000.00). I would never have bought them (she has done nothing worthwhile since Destiny’s Child), but if I had and no longer wanted them I would have donated them to a charity. The so-called “artists” would have received NO MONEY from that transaction, some less fortunate person with questionable taste could have saved their money, and the charity would have benefitted. It’s hard to separate a singer or actor from their hateful political rhetoric, and the loony left wing liberal socialist democrat communists Pied Piper and lemming troll forked tongue snakes have practically made entertainment impossible to enjoy. This octogenarian sticks with Hallmark and a few good movies from the past.

To all you haters. JZ is a human being before he became a artist or rich. As a human he has rights from Jehovah ane he also has righta as a American. The people who died to make America great also died so you, me, and JZ can stand or sit as we please. To the people who are still calling OJ a murderer, first he was found innocent. Innocent is innocent. You all like to claim the jury did not understand DNA. I am not a genius but I understoo DNA immediately. I also know what reasonable doubt mean. I know what planting evidence mean also. I ask all of you what would Jesus do. Instead of worrying about people standing you need to worry about recconcilliating your self back to god. Being a Christian is more than obeying Jehovah. That is what we see on the outside but what about the love of Jesus. I can’t say but I have a feeling Jesus had forgiven JZ before the game started

Those two socially ignorant over paid over hyped aholes. They believe their own press. I would be grateful to never see either o them again. I will say he looked better bald, he looks like he stepped on a 240 watt live wire now.

JZ and B, I am a 77 year old vet. I was not bothered by your sitting during the anthem.
I understand and congratulate you on your position with the NFL. Do your job well.
That is respect enough. I served 1962-71. I ask no more of you than what you do.

That halftime show was nothing to be proud of it was disgusting and a shame for JLO and Shakira. It did not represent anything but porn and degraded women. So if you were just studying your art and forgot to stand for your country you need to rethink what you stand for. Your heart is and mind is focused only on money and satisfying your physical. You are not protecting or respecting your children or setting a good example for anyone. Shame JZ.